Educators Liability: Teachers Know If You’ve Done the Reading or Not

It is the age-old question by education professionals across the country- did the students do the assigned reading? Chances are, there are always a few who are behind, negligent, or only half-completed it. Now however, technology as allowed teachers to check in, virtually.

It is known as CourseSmart, a program that allows teachers to track their students’ progress with digital textbooks. Now, educators know when students are skipping pages, failing to highlight significant passages, not bothering to take notes, or not even opening the book to begin with.

Digital textbook companies have already been keeping track of stats on their students’ reading habits- now programs like CourseSmart are looking to take that material and package it for the teachers.

Students only have access to the data if a professor shows them; their involvement in the textbook is measured in an “engagement index.” The goal is to help students engage with and ultimately learn the material. And it gives teachers a different perspective when diagnosing students who are struggling. Finally, simply knowing they are being tracked acts as a motivating factor for students.

Opponents argue that it is an unwelcome “Big Brother” presence and doesn’t foster quality independent study habits. Some say it’s a necessary measure and can help students learn and engage with the material. There are still hiccups and don’t necessarily give a comprehensive picture- a student could open the text book and leave it on the screen while they go do something else. Currently several college universities have implemented them in courses, including Texas A&M.

What is your opinion on tracking students’ use of digital textbooks? Is it a new learning tool to better engage students in the material, or overbearing and unnecessary? We’d love to hear from you.

PGU Educators Liability and Employment Practices Liability programs are tailored specifically for public, parochial and nonprofit private school entities including colleges, universities and vocational training schools. 804-272-6557

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/technology/coursesmart-e-textbooks-track-students-progress-for-teachers.html?pagewanted=1&ref=technology